Probably not many search engine users wonder how it is that Google answers their question so precisely. For that, positioners and online business owners have always been trying to figure out how the search engine works. Behind all this confusion is Google’s algorithm and actually Google’s algorithms are behind it, which on top of that change frequently. In this post, you will read about what Google’s algorithm is and what tasks it performs.
What is Google’s algorithm?
It is the algorithm that decides what results will be displayed to the user when a specific phrase is typed into the search box. Google’s algorithm can be described as a search system, created by a set of rules and processes, that selects websites and the content they contain as useful to a person who searches for anything on Google. There are many algorithms in the search engine, which are currently so advanced that they seem to understand people’s intentions.
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Google itself explains the operation of automatic result generation this way:
How do Google’s algorithms work?
Algorithms organize the search system using clear rules and verifying certain elements of websites. The factors that determine what results are displayed to users are the following:
On such a basis, Google’s algorithms evaluate the usefulness of a website in response to a user’s query. What’s more, for different types of queries, elements are of more or less importance.
Google is constantly improving the search system, so over the years, the development of the web and the growing importance of the search engine in the daily lives of web users – Google has repeatedly updated the algorithms. Among other things, the items evaluated on the websites changed with the updates. However, the search engine’s overriding goal has always been to accurately answer a user’s query, which is why valuable, relevant websites rank high in search results so that users can easily access them. Spam sites, on the other hand, are subject to penalties – filters or even bans – for trying to boost their positions by fraudulent means.
Google’s positioning algorithms
They have funny names, but positioners may not associate them very pleasantly, because on more than one occasion, they have caused one to get down hard on the positioned pages. Here are Google’s historical SEO algorithm changes:
Page Rank
The first algorithm appeared in 1998, and was abolished in 2016. The evaluated parameter, determining the position in the search results, was the number of links to the page – links. However, Page Rank only assessed their quantity, not quality, which left a lot of room for manipulation of the results.
Panda
This algorithm appeared in 2011 and was designed to verify the textual content of websites. Quality of content matters, sites with duplicate content lose position.
Penguin
An algorithm based on link analysis and link quality. Link building is of great importance.
Pirate
This is an algorithm implemented in 2012 that verifies respect for copyright. Websites that violate these laws, lost their position.
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Hummingbird
The 2013 algorithm that gave new meaning to content creation. The algorithm has begun to study the context of websites and link them to user intentions. The search engine is beginning to consider semantic keywords.
Opos
This Google algorithm update took place in 2016 and primarily affected changes in local search. The search system has begun to take into account the geolocation of the device from which the query is made. Local businesses with a Google My Business card have benefited.
RankBrain
This is a 2015 change that gave better positions to those sites that not only have good content, but are also user-friendly (in terms of UX). Positions were lost by sites with high rejection rates.
BERT
Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformers (BERT) went into effect in 2019. It focuses on better understanding of queries and precise answers to long key phrases.
Summary
Imagine how powerful Google’s algorithms must be that they can handle billions of web pages! The search system is working and serving us more and more precise results. Therefore, if you want to function in this system you must adapt to its requirements. This should work out for you. Do you want to make a name for yourself in the search engine and maintain consistently good positions despite algorithm changes? I’d be happy to help with that! Contact me – I analyze, advise, position effectively. And I am at your service!
